Plaque, gum disease, and tooth loss

Plaque doesn’t sound like such a bad thing. And when it’s kept under control with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, it’s relatively harmless. But when this soft, sticky layer of bacteria builds up, it can have serious consequences for your teeth. Dr. Richard Knight in Portlandcan remove plaque before it leads to gum disease.

Avoiding the dentist can allow dental problems to compound, leading to tooth loss. At Richard B. Knight, DMD, PC we know that a missing tooth is not only unattractive, but it can cause structural problems in your mouth.

Some patients in the Portland area assume that as long as they’re still able to eat without their missing tooth, that there’s no problem. Dr. Knight helps patients understand that just one missing tooth can lead to other oral difficulties. The remaining teeth may begin to drift into the empty space, causing a change in way you bite or chew. It also forces the remaining teeth to carry an additional load, and you may begin to experience pain when you’re eating - or even when you aren’t.

Our goal at Richard B. Knight, DMD, PC is to help you enjoy the best oral health possible, whether that’s simply removing plaque during a regular dental appointment or more advanced solutions such as replacing one or more missing teeth. Count on Dr. Knight in the Portland area to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

For more information or to make an appointment, call Richard B. Knight, DMD, PC today at (503) 284-3588.